By KarenWalters

By KarenWalters
T
he year was 1976. Bicentennial celebrations were in full
swing, and I was ready to
start my freshman year of
high school. Our church was getting
ready to produce the church directory,
and, of couJ;se, we had to participate, as
this was the opportunity to have our
family portrait taken. I wore my new
blue shirt - pointed collars were "in" and my parents were dressed in their
Sunday best. Our portrait was taken in
the church basement with a simple
background, and, from the eyes of a
thirteen-year-old
girl, the event was
anything but exciting.
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Religious Product News
I October
2008
But, that portrait became part of the
church directory for all to see, and it will always be a part of the church's history. Looking
back, I'm glad my family portrait was a part
of this. Today, the portrait brings back family
memories, serves as a record for that point in
time, and has the ability to produce giggles
ITom my own children each time they see it.
My siblings and I are married with our
own families now, and we still rely on our
church to provide professional photography
services. As in the past, we are eager to share
the portraits and the stories that make them
special. Last month, my, parents sent each of us
a copy of their latest church directory portrait
-
only the two of them this time, but a cher-
ished keepsake just the same.
As fashions and styles change ITom year to
year, one thing that remains is the need for
congregations to strengthen the bond with
their members. Today's church directories allow churches to communicate the organization's goals and missions, capture memories,
instill pride, and inspire a family of faith. In addition, many church directories are available
online, and printed directories are customized
to create one-of-a-kind publications that are
cherished for years to come.
Whether you currently offer a directory
or are thinking about producing one, here
are a few elements that you may want to
consider.
rHONN THAr: ON
HAVE A PRPFEWONAL
rHREE YEARJ, AND rHGY OF-TEN
CHvR1:H FOR..rHAroPPOR.rVNfTY.
ing a site to host your online directory, ask about security offerings.
Choose a provider that assigns unique passwords that enables members
to custonllze their individual profile and to control the information
that is displayed. Be aware that some providers offer a group password, meaning that anyone within the congregation has access to al~
ter another family's personal information,
MAkE IrA
PARTNERSHIP
tT"PERSCDNAL
It is important to partner with a company that will go beyond the tra.,.
ditional head-and-shoulders[amily photograph to capture the family's
personality, Today's portrait providers not only offer a multitude of
backgrounds, but they can be personalized to tell a family's story visually. Some members add pets and props to their photographs or
dress in similar clothes to help illustrate their unique qualities.
Many churches have found that members appreciate the opportu.,nity to have family portraits taken. Studies have shown that, on aver-age, families like to have a professional portrait taken every three
years, and they often rely on tl1e church for that opportunity.
Offering family portrait sessions is a wonderful opportunity for
churches to reach out to inactive members. By offering this service,
churches are able to reinvigorate relationships with members and increase participation in the congregation. It also results in a more complete directory.
In addition, many churches are using their directories as a marketing tool when recruiting prospective church members. The most effective directories not only include photos of members but also
convey the organization's unique history; values, mission, and vision.
Many directories feature activity pages highlighting members' involvement in the church's activities, such as volunteerism, ministry
programs, and events.
MAKE IrELECTRCDNIC
Today's churches have embraced technology, and many offer their directories electronically in addition to the printed booklet. An online
publication can be updated as needed, ensuring that the publication is
never out-of-date.
In addition, providers offer online scheduling, enabling members
to arrange their portrait session at their convenience. Churches that
use this option have found that more than 70 percent of sittings are
scheduled using the electronic calendar. Members that use the online
scheduling receive an e-mail confirmation as well as a reminder email a few days prior to the portrait session. They also have access to
information about preparing for the session and answers to frequently
asked questions.
Because your members are your most important asset, you have a
Church directories have long been used as a way to create community
within the church. Members feel a sense of pride and belonging
when their photograpl1.appears in a churc:l1directory.And the portraits, just like the families in them, evolve and change with.the styles,
fashions, and technology of the time.
Whether you are starting a new tradition of offering church directories or enhancing and updating the directory you currently provide,
there are several considerations when choosing a portrait provider.
Here are several critical features to look for:
.
.
tographed
.
Program
at no cost to the church
Complimentary
directory and portrait for every family pho-
Extra directories to use in community outreach
.
Compelling family photography to capture memories for a
lifetime
.Trained professional photographers
who are employees of the
company
Variety of options to design and produce your directory
In-house print production of the directories and portraits to
ensure consistency and a quick turnaround
. Free, secure online directory that can be easily accessed and
updated
Resources to help your congregation connect and grow
Free promotional tools to encourage participation, such as
posters, bulletin inserts, letters, pulpit and newsletter announcements, reminder cards, sign-up displays, online sign-up tools,
DVDs, and presentations
. References from other churches
.
.
.
.
Not only do church directories provide a multitude of benefits
to the church, but they build community within a congregation and
enhance the connection between your ministry; your members, and
the community.
As I prepare to have my family's portrait taken for our church directory this year, I can't help but wonder how my children will remember the experience and the new memories that the portrait will
create for many years to come. RPN
Karen Walters is a marketing specialist with Lifetouch Church Directories, www.lifetouch.com.
duty to ensure that their personal information is secure. When choos-
www.rpnmag.comIOctobe~2008
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